Cole Escola had a busy New York Fashion Week, starting off as a co-host at Thom Browne’s spring 2025 dinner where they sat with Patti LuPone and Martha Stewart. They also made their runway debut at Presley Oldham’s first-ever show, closing the event while wearing hundreds of tiny beaded flowers. Escola expressed feeling stunning in the heavy gown, drawing inspiration from Marlene Dietrich’s bugle beaded gown worn during her one-woman Broadway show. The experience was new for Escola, who initially didn’t realize it was a fashion show during New York Fashion Week but ended up enjoying the experience.
Dietrich’s beaded gown for her 1967 show was designed by Edith Head, a renowned costume designer who won multiple Academy Awards. The gown was famously heavy, weighing 19 pounds, but Escola was inspired by the legacy and decided to embrace the weight. Meeting Presley Oldham through New York icons like Todd Oldham and Amy Sedaris, Escola found themselves immersed in the fashion world, leading to their runway debut. The experience of being part of Fashion Week after the success of their Broadway show “Oh, Mary!” was described by Escola as a fun and exciting opportunity.
Reflecting on their runway experience, Escola mentioned the possibility of walking for another show if it was with a fun designer, expressing a desire to avoid feeling intimidated. With designers like Oldham continuing the tradition of hosting shows for friends and family, merging worlds and having fun with fashion, Escola felt that New York was truly back. The atmosphere of New York Fashion Week, combined with the success of “Oh, Mary!” on Broadway, added to the excitement of being part of the fashion world for Escola.
The combination of Escola’s presence on the runways and designers like Oldham embracing a tradition of fun and inclusivity in their shows highlighted the vibrant spirit of New York City. The experience of becoming a part of Fashion Week this season was described by Escola as icing on the cake after the success of their Broadway show. The merging of different worlds and the celebration of friendship and creativity in the fashion industry contributed to the sense that New York was experiencing a resurgence in fashion and culture.
Escola’s runway debut was documented in a photo diary, capturing the excitement and energy of the event. The images showcased the elaborate beaded gown worn by Escola, as well as moments of joy and camaraderie with fellow models and designers. The experience of being part of a fashion show during New York Fashion Week was a new and exhilarating adventure for Escola, adding to the diverse and dynamic landscape of the fashion industry in the city. The runway debut of Cole Escola marked a memorable and impactful moment in their career, further solidifying their presence in the world of fashion and entertainment.
